A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has concluded that a multifaceted US$3.9 billion agreement between Verizon Wireless and four of the largest cable TV network operators in the country could substantially harm competition and lead to higher prices in the wireless communications market.

The deal, which was announced last December, included the acquisition of wireless spectrum by Verizon from the four companies, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox Communications. At the same time, Verizon and the cable companies agreed to resell each other’s services and work together on research of future technologies.